Learning Patiencehttp://www.thehinzadventures.com
Tales of Food, Travel, Fitness and Expat LivingMon, 02 Mar 2015 16:08:38 +0000en-UShourly1http://wordpress.org/?v=4.1.1Sublime Indian & Lime Shredded Sproutshttp://www.thehinzadventures.com/2015/03/02/sublime-indian-lime-shredded-sprouts/
http://www.thehinzadventures.com/2015/03/02/sublime-indian-lime-shredded-sprouts/#commentsMon, 02 Mar 2015 15:14:06 +0000http://www.thehinzadventures.com/?p=18256
My love from Brussels sprouts is no secret.
I usually make them like this…
But last week in my Abel & Cole delivery, I found a uniquerecipe card.
A raw, shredded, flavor-packed Brussels sprout salad.
It was so interesting, I had to try it out.
To be honest, I was more than a little skeptical.WOWSERS
This recipe is a HOME RUN, it’s really, really, really amazing!
Stepping out of your comfort zone can wake up your taste buds and create a new family favorite.

First off, I had to share that silly picture with y’all…I saw it on FB this week and it made me laugh.
The weather has been amazing here in London over the past couple days.
The sun has been shining and the flowers are blooming.
Other than my parents leaving Wednesday morning, it’s been a stellar week!
Time to get the Giving Thanks party started…

This week I am thankful for…

…spotting, bartering then purchasing this awesomely funky end table on Saturday. I’m not the furniture purchasing kind of person, but I fell in love with this piece made from old wood.

…an amazing riverside run on Friday night.

…the adorable daffodils blooming all over my neighborhood.

…all the House of Cards binge watching we’ve been doing this weekend – we’re on episode 7 and its SO good!!!

…Saturday morning cuddles with Mr. Ripley.

…a spontaneous über fun night out last night – Bill Kirchen was AMAZING and turns out he grew up in Michigan.He kept singing songs with cities from MI so after the show I said hi and we chatted, it turns out he went to Ann Arbor High School..

Happy Friday to everyone!
Not sure what your weather is like today but we had the BEST day here in London.

Flowers were blooming and the sun was shining…
And I’m about to head out for a long sunset run but the river.
(my favorite place to run)

Speaking of running…
I promised to let y’all know all about my Spring race plans.
While I really wanted to race a 10k soon, I decided to wait.
I don’t want to rush into longer distances and get injured again.
(smart Corey)
So, I signed up for the Hyde Park 10K on April 12.
It’s flat and fast and one of my favorite parks to run in London, plus I get a medal.
That race is just a half way point to the BIG one though…
I signed up for the Hackney Half Marathon on May 10.

I guess it’s a big deal because I haven’t been able to run a half marathon in over a year.
I was supposed to run one last Fall, but was sidelined with my foot injury.
So, I’m going to be taking this training very seriously.I plan on doing weekly training posts to keep myself accountable and y’all updated.

I absolutely adored the hoodie for the race so I had to buy one!
Now it’s even more of an incentive to stay focused…
Staying focused means a lot of things – clean eating, no alcohol, more sleep and stability workouts.
I really can’t afford to slack off in any of the areas, including keeping excellent blood sugar numbers!It’s a lot to take in all at once but I love to run…
And if I want to be able to race 13.1 miles again, then I have to be consistent with it all.
I got a little depressed the other day thinking about my life now…
Sometimes it’s completely over whelming – the shots and BS readings and tests and calculations.
Gone are the days when I can just head out for a long run without planning.
When I start feeling like that, I go running.
Running is the thing that always calms me, while challenging me at the same time.So, if I have to keep a crazy chart to remember it all then I guess I’ll just have to do that!

Ever since the age of 28, I have had borderline high cholesterol.
At first hearing that was shocking, I mean I’ve been a vegetarian since I was 12.
It turns out, some people just genetically are unlucky in that department.
Besides the obvious eat healthy and exercise options to lower your bad cholesterol…
There’s another very effective thing you can do everyday – EAT ALMONDS.

Eating 8-10 raw ALMONDS CAN LOWER YOUR LDL (bad) CHOLESTEROLAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that consuming almonds as part of a heart-healthy diet can be just as effective at lowering LDL “bad” cholesterol levels as first generation statin drugs.

So, I guess you could say that I’ve been an almond fan for a while now.
Then, when I got diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, I realized that almonds held another secret.ALMONDS REDUCE BLOOD SUGAR LEVELSStudies show that consuming almonds alongside white bread regulates spikes in blood sugar and significantly lowers the glycemic index of the meal.

There are 2 huge reasons to eat almonds but let’s not forget the others..- packed w/protein
– contain fiber, calcium, zinc and antioxidants
– THEY ARE DELICIOUS

Since my official training will start on Sunday, I’ve been getting all my healthy food prepped.
Almonds and oats are 2 things I depend on to regulate my BS and keep my energy up while running.
I decided to try and create a chewy (i hate crunchy) granola bar.
The end result was amazing…
Like SO amazing I ate all of them!This is 1 recipe that will be a constant from now until May 10 (my BIG race date).

I’m glad it was raining this morning…That way no one could tell I was crying when I left the train station.
I don’t think 23 days has ever gone by so fast in my life.
I said goodbye to my mom and dad in the early hours of this WIAW.

One thing about expat life that isn’t so awesome…
Being far away from your family.
We sure made the most of their 23 days though…
Budapest, Poole, Paris, Broadway Show, Sightseeing and LOADS of eating!
Dad loved the Fish & Chips...a lot.

We decided that we would spend the last day together at home relaxing.
We started off with mimosas, but I juiced some blood oranges for the mixer…
OMG, thank you Abel & Cole.After lunch, us girls headed out for a much needed hair color & cut.

beforeafter

When us hotties returned home, we started cooking a family tradition…Homemade sauerkraut pierogi’sThey were delicious and we even made the hubby some cottage cheese ones (yuck).Me touching cottage cheese is my definition of true love folks.

I decided to perk myself up post goodbye by signing up for 2 BIG Spring races.
I also got my Run Training Plan together and it officially starts on Sunday.I’ll be sharing all the details soon…

I recently joined the Junior League of London.
It’s this amazing group of women who are real go-getters – I’m super excited.
This week, we are raising money during London’s Fashion Week.
I am wearing the same LBD for 5 straight days (today is day 3).

The Little Black Dress Initiative, now in it’s second year, is a poverty awareness campaign that aims to illustrate the effects poverty has on a person’s access to resources while raising money to fund the various JLL’s community programmes throughout the city.

I’m SO close to reaching my goal…
Please consider donating to this amazing cause!

This week I’m thankful for…
…a super cool experience on Sunday night – The Ceremony of the Keys. This tradition involves locking up of the Tower of London and has taken place on each and every night, without fail, for at least 700 years. The importance of securing this fortress for the night is still very relevant because, although the Monarch no longer resides at this royal palace, the Crown Jewels and many other valuables still do! (p.s. -> it’s FREE)

…silly JibJab fun. We made this “All About That Bass” for the hubby today because he will not stop singing the song….check out the cute girl on the right, its Ripley!! lol

…cashing in a dinner for 4 Groupon at The Yacht on Thursday night. I originally thought it was a river cruise dinner, it wasn’t, but it was still lovely and the food was good.

…for all the help my mom and dad gave me in the past 22 days. I could not have found a new home without them w/o losing my mind!

…FINDING OUR NEW HOME – details to follow but I will say we are trading in our SW6 for a SW11 postal code. (those not familiar w/London, that means we are moving to Battersea) Our new place will be somewhere in that box…

A while back Groupon had a Paris day trip deal.
I thought I’d surprise mom & dad and take them during their visit.
I wasn’t sure what to expect but I was hoping for the best….
We woke up early, 5am, for a taxi to Kings Cross St. Pancreas.
(where the EuroStar leaves from)
Met the tour guide at 6am and left at 7 for Paris.
The train was a bit delayed but after 2.3 hrs we arrived!(of course I had to wear my train hat)

The trip started with a coach tour of the main sights…
And our tour guide was VERY knowledgeable – I was impressed.I learned so many things that I have never heard before…

We stopped for Lunch at the Eiffel Tower and had special skip the line passes.
That was awesome because the line was crazy…
We made it to 58 Tour Effiel, on the 1st level up, and were greeted with bubbles!!!

I had read other reviews prior and wasn’t expecting much…The champange was delicious, the restaurant was uber clean and pretty.
The staff was very attentive and the food was amazing!
From our crusty bread/butter to the slow cooked chicken w/artichoke & chestnut mash…
Followed by delicious duo of double chocolate desserts!

After Lunch, we took a 1 hr river cruise – enjoyable and informational.It was pretty but it did throw us into sleep mode.

After the cruise, we headed to the Luvre for a 1.5 hour free time break.
I planned ahead and dressed for a run and got in a 3 mile jog.awesome

Then, we enjoyed a snack and some vino and met up with the group.
We headed to the train station and had 30 minutes to spare before heading back to London.
Everyone was tired and today we pretty much bummed out but we all felt it was worth it.Mom & Dad got to see the city of love…
And I got some QT with my parents!

I first traveled to Budapest over 14 years ago, I wasn’t looking forward to it.
We had been back packing all over Europe and Hungry didn’t sound very excitng.
But as soon as I got into the city, my attitude changed from blah to WOWSERS!
So much to see and do, amazing and super friendly people and the food and wine were awesome.
I hadn’t been back since then and I really wanted to go back and show my parents and husband.I had hoped that my memories were clear and correct as we made our way there last week…

The city was everything I remembered and more.
My family fell in love with it and the hubby can’t wait to go back once it warms up a bit.
Since Budapest is not on the Euro, it’s still pretty cheap there so that is a big perk.
So many things to do, you can’t help but to have a fun time!
Most people spoke at least a little English, if not very good English so communicating is stress free…
Also, the airport is beautiful and modern jammed pack with places to eat, wifi & duty free shopping.

Hotel

The Opera Garden Hotel & Apartments – I booked our hotel on Booking.com and still can’t believe how amazing it was..the location was excellent, right by the river, the Opera house, etc…and the neighborhood was safe. We had a 2 bedroom apartment like room w/a small kitchenette inside. The bathroom was a bit tiny but the rooms itself were huge and the beds were comfy. The rooms were very modern and clean and you were given plenty of fresh towels. The airport transfer was 25 euro per car.

The breakfast was included and was better than most hotel buffets in the USA. Eggs, breads, cheeses, oats, bacon, fruit, espresso, etc.. They even would make a cooked to order omelet if you asked and had a serve yourself mimosa bar!!! Between the hours of 7-10am and 5-10pm you could use the hot tub and sauna. The hotel staff were very friendly and spoke excellent English. They also booked our airport transfers, helped out with postcards, directions and booked our bus tour for us as well. I HIGHLY recommend this hotel. Our cost was 430 euro for 3 nights (breakfast & internet included).

Attractions

Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour – There is lots to see and do in this category, but since we were only there for a weekend, we started with this tour. The hotel sold us the ticket and it was a mere 2 block walk to the Opera House stop to get on. I love these tours because you get some cool info, get to see the city, can use the tour as a transportation method, get freebies like goulash, beer and free shot coupons. Plus is was WAY too freezing cold and windy outside to walk around everywhere. Added bonus – the ticket is good for 48 hours and includes a free river cruise.

St. Stephen’s Basilica – Head to the church built in 1851 and go up to the top (for a small donation) to get a 360 degree view of the city. AMAZING view and a chance to take some great pictures.

The Flipper Muzeum – Probably the coolest thing we did while we were there… My parents found out about this place and they love pinball so we all went one evening. It’s only open from 4pm to midnight so you have to go at night. We had fun choosing to playing on the 130 different machines. You pay one price when you enter and then no money is used when you are inside.
We only stayed for an hour, so if thats the case, the owners refunds half of your money to you. It was an awesome place to visit, no matter your age… I HIGHLY recommend this attraction.

Széchenyi Chain Bridge – Walk across this suspension bridge built back in the 1800’s.
Snap a selfie with one of the lions grading the entrance

Hungarian Parliament Building – Mom and I walked to this area by the river which was pretty, cool gift shop underground and cafe and nice area to take pictures. I would have loved a run by the river but my face probably would have fell off from the cold!

Szechenyi Baths – Mom, Dad and Glen went to the thermal baths, as I had work to do and I have been before and they had a blast. This has an outside bath which they said was fun because it was so cold outside…kinda like a giant hot tub. Just remember to bring your own towel and slippers.

Food and Drink

DiVino Wine Bar – After watching my family eat a whole bunch of pork, I had to get something I could eat and I stumbled upon this awesome little spot. Right across from St. Stephen’s Basilicathis wine bar had a ton of great looking food choices and drink options. (note: Budapest is known for their wine and most restaurants and bars only serve local wine.) My chicken salad dish was delicious and all of the wine I tried was excellent. They even had a DJ playing a mix of fun 80’s and 90’s songs.

Cafe Bali – This restaurant was listed in the coupon book given to us on the bus and it included a free beer so we hopped off and tried it out. A friend from college had told me while in Budapest, I had to try the Chicken Paprikish, so I ordered a dish for us all to share. OMG it was delicious, so delicious in fact, that we went back to the restaurant before we left on Sunday to order some more. This time we got 2 orders to share between the 4 of us.

I’ve been gone for a while but there’s is a good reason for my lack of blogging…
My parents are in London, for their 1st time and we have been having way too much fun.

On Wednesday, we went to visit our friends Jane & Martin in Poole.
Poole is this adorable seaside town with Castle ruins, great pubs and even though it was freezing…We have the BEST weekend.

My parents adored J&M and they loved meeting my folks and Ripley.

Plus, they were dog sitting, so Ripley got a buddy to play with the entire time too.

Haimish…or as I nicknamed him, Ham Sandwich,just loved Ripley.

(I think we might need a big brother for the Ripster soon)

We visited Corf Castle, enjoyed the pubs, ate a nice dinner out on Friday night…

And cooked a huge 7 pound Prime Rib for the boys for Valentine’s Day.
(just for the record, i don’t eat it…)

We played a lot of games, won/lost some money, drank champagne…
And loads of laughs were shared.

This week I am thankful for…

…a wonderful long weekend in Poole with our friends Jane & Martin. They entertained all 4 of us & Mr. Ripley while keeping our belles full of delicious food/drink. I think we burned off most of it though (wink) with all of the laughing!

…creating the time to enjoy a 4.3 mile run on Sunday morning around the lake at Poole Park. I didn’t know that little gem was there or I would have been running there every day, simply beautiful!